(Article) Second Chance for a Felon Gave an Arizona State Trooper a Second Chance at Life

Second Chance for a Felon Gave an Arizona State Trooper a Second Chance at Life

          We never know when we might be called upon to act. “That morning, I never would have dreamt that I was going to save somebody’s life let alone take the life of another individual,” said Thomas Yoxall, 43 to reporters gathered shortly after the January 12^th incident. It took place on an isolated stretch of Interstate 10 west of Tonopah. Yoxall was traveling to California in the early morning hours when he happened upon a confused roadside scene. He could see the flares in the road and a State Trooper’s vehicle with its lights on. He slowed and proceeded forward when he could see a man on top of the trooper “beating him in a savage way.”

          What happened next would forever change Yoxall’s life, and demonstrate in very real terms the power of redemption. There were many ways a person might react in this situation. They could pull over and call for help. They could ignore it and drive on. They could exit their vehicle and try to physically aid the fallen trooper. Luckily for Edward Anderson, a 27-year veteran who had already been shot twice, Yoxall was armed and sprang into action to save his life.

          Describing his actions as “visceral,” the maintenance supervisor retrieved his firearm from the center console and exited his vehicle. As the wounded officer called out for help Yoxall took a stance and issued commands to the assailant to stop. These were ignored. 37-year-old Leonard Pennelas-Escobar continued to pound trooper Anderson’s head into pavement. Worried he might hit the trooper if he fired, the good Samaritan adjusted and fired twice. “I alleviated the threat to him [Anderson]” Yoxall said in a quivering voice obviously impacted by the gravity of having been forced to take a life. “I firmly believe I was put there by God.”

          Yoxall started to administer first-aid to the officer but the suspect emerged from the shadows once again leaving him few options but to fire a second volley mortally wounding Pennelas-Escobar. Anderson survived thanks to the decisive actions of the passer-by and is recovering from multiple surgeries.

          This is where the story becomes even more remarkable. Yoxall might never have been equipped to save trooper Anderson’s life in the way that he did had his gun-rights never been restored. “I have a past,” said the hero in a DPS press conference. With his extensive tattoos, ear gauges and his own criminal history, Yoxall demonstrates that outward appearances or past mistakes do not preclude one from acting valiantly when civic duty requires.

          Yoxall received a felony theft back in 2000 when he admitted to stealing electronics from a group home where he was employed. He petitioned the judge to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor in 2003 primarily motivated by his desire to restore his right to carry. “Before this incident, I was an avid shooter. I miss owning a gun. I miss shooting with my friends as well as my son. I hope, if nothing else, you will reinstate my civil rights to include the right to bear arms once again," Yoxall wrote in his petition to the court. A Superior Court judge agreed that since his offense was non-violent and he had demonstrated reformation that he could once again own a firearm.

In his only press conference following the January incident, Yoxall alluded briefly to his past charges, "Those moments of poor judgement have not dictated my future, nor represent the person that I am today.”

Yoxall’s story exemplifies how important an individual gun owner’s readiness is. We live in an unpredictable world where we can never be sure when our preparedness will be tested. “As being a private gun owner, it is a responsibility and one that should be taken seriously so I make the effort to go out and practice,” he said when questioned by one reporter on his experience with firearms. That practice paid off when he intervened on that desolate stretch of highway.

Yoxall, who a DPS spokesman described as “humble” and “heroic” was called to the capital on February 6^th by Governor Doug Ducey who honored the good Samaritan with an official commendation for his actions last month. Ducey tweeted photos of this meeting along with the caption, “Thomas Yoxall showed unbelievable bravery a few weeks ago. Today, we're proud to honor him. He's an inspiration.

Federal law prohibits purchase or possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving domestic violence. Should a banned citizen wish to be reinstated there are several ways to go about this depending on the state in which the offense was committed. One can apply to the Governor for a pardon or petition the Court as Yoxall did. Always consult an attorney for qualified legal advice. Luckily for trooper Anderson, there are second chances afforded for people who for some reason or another have had their gun rights suspended.